Course Overview

Create the impossible. Develop stunning 3D Animation and imagery and learn how to use visual effects to blow stuff up...without accidentally blowing your computer up! Our award-winning faculty will take you on an immersive journey; teaching you the basics of modelling, rendering, lighting, and technical direction that will culminate with you being a part of an amazing, industry-level short film in your final year.

Our Alumni

Careers & Industry

To succeed in the film post-production industry, you'll need to be proficient and confident in using industry standard visual effects software. You'll also need experience applying creative thinking and problem solving in a collaborative and demanding environment. Employers value our graduates because this course focuses on the technical skills
and soft skills you'll need in the industry.

Your first year will begin with an eight week introduction to the world of computer graphics. You'll finish the year by working on an intensive yet rewarding short 3D production that will ensure you have the academic foundation and the skills you need to progress throughout your degree.

During your second year, you'll be asked to pick a specialisation in visual effects, technical studies or 3D animation, which will enable you to fine-tune your particular skill set.

Your final year will see you working on a number of industry level productions that will culminate with you being a part of an amazing, state-of-the-art short film. You'll also finish your final year with a research project that will provide you with the skills to take your knowledge of 3D animation and Computer Graphics (CG) to new levels.

Graduates have gone on to work on blockbuster films including Avatar and The Hobbit

Student short films receive international accolades

Graduates are in demand for their experience working on major projects within a studio-like environment

"At Weta Digital we really appreciate that Media Design School graduates have not only studied a broad range of disciplines, but by the end of their studies they have taken a specific role in a group project under knowledgeable leadership. This means they enter the industry with a good understanding of their strengths, what they most enjoy and the realities of working in a team to deadlines."
Richard Frances-Moore Head of Animation, WETA DIGITAL

Student Work

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Lecturers

More information

During the first year, you will learn foundation art skills and achieve proficiency in industry-standard technical tools and visual effects software this includes an introduction to modelling, animation, rigging and visual effects.

Qualification Code

Course Code

Name

Level

Credits

PC3000

3D1G01A

Foundation 3D: Animation and Rigging

5

20

PC3000

3D1G02A

Foundation 3D: Modelling,Surfacing, Lighting

5

20

PC3000

3D1G03

Traditional Art and Design for 3D

5

15

PC3000

3D1G04

Digital Art I

5

15

PC3000

3D1G05

Digital Art II

6

15

PC3000

3D1G06A

3D Modelling

6

15

PC3000

3D1G07A

3D Rendering

5

15

PC3000

3D1G08A

Foundation Mini-Project

6

10

PC3000

3D1G09

Design Principles and Practice I

5

15

140

Year 2

The second year involves immersive studies in core subjects such as preproduction, scripting and dynamics. In the second term, pursue a chosen specialisation in visual effects and motion graphics, technical 3D studies or 3D Animation studies. Students retain a specialist focus for the remainder of their studies. However, all core subjects including tutorials, theory classes and art classes are taught collectively.

Qualification Code

Course Code

Name

Level

Credits

PC3000

3D2G01

Pre production

5

10

PC3000

3D2G02

Video Productions

5

10

PC3000

3D2G04A

3D Scripting

5

10

PC3000

3D2G05

Design Principles and Practice II

6

15

PC3000

3D2G06

Industry Procedures and Practice I

5

15

PC3000

3D2T01A

Technical Director Modelling II

6

20

PC3000

3D2T01B

Technical Director Rendering II

6

20

PC3000

3D2T01C

Technical Director Compositing

6

15

PC3000

3D2A01A

Animation: Workflow and Principles

6

15

PC3000

3D2A01B

Animation: Mechanics. Expressions and Gestures

6

20

PC3000

3D2A01C

Animation: Non Verbal Communication

6

20

PC3000

3D2V01

Motion Design Animation

6

20

PC3000

3D2V02

Motion Design Production Techniques

6

10

PC3000

3D2V03

Visual Effects 2D Compositing

6

15

PC3000

3D2V04

Visual Effects 3D Compositing

6

20

PC3000

3D2V05

Visual Effects Compositing Production Techniques

6

15

PC3000

3D2AT01A

Mini Project

6

15

PC3000

3D2AT02A

Advance Rigging

6

10

Total credits needed to pass Year 2:

140

Year 3

In year three, you will be immersed in production as you work on group and individual projects. The final year also incorporates industry procedures and practice to prepare students for industry placement.

To qualify for General Admission, you'll need a minimum qualification of NCEA University Entrance or equivalent, such as CIE or IB University Entrance, or, level 4 or higher Qualification from a related discipline.

NCEA University Entrance

NCEA Level 3: Three subjects at Level 3, made up of 14 credits each.

Literacy

10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of:

5 credits in reading

5 credits in writing

Numeracy

10 credits at Level 1 or above, made up of:

achievement standards (specified achievement standards available through a range of subjects), or,

If you are enrolled at a New Zealand secondary school and have not yet completed your NCEA (CIE or equivalent) qualification you can still apply now for admission. When your NCEA results are available in January, we will check them and contact you.

IB and CIE University Entrance

More information on alternative eligible qualifications such as IB or CIE, click
here.

International Students

If you are an international student, you'll need to prove you have sufficient English language skills in order to complete this course. We'll be looking for Academic IELTS 6.0 (minimum), or equivalent qualification if English is not your first language.

Special Entry, Discretionary Entry and Cross Credits

If you don't have university entry, you may still be able to apply for this course. More information about Special Entry, Discretionary Entry and Cross Credits
here.

When you apply, you'll need to provide us with a digital copy of your portfolio.

Your portfolio is a selection of work that shows your skills and talents. It introduces you and your ideas, and shows us you have the creativity and imagination to be a student at Media Design School. There are no strict rules about what you should include in your portfolio. As a guide, it should include a range of
12 - 20 pieces of your best works that represent who you are as a creative person. We recommend including a range of media and styles. It is not imperative you include digitally rendered artworks. Here are some of the examples you could include:

Study at the Media Design School in Auckland, and you can assure your family that you'll be staying in one of the safest and most live-able cities in the world. Auckland is such a diverse city that, no matter where you're from, you'll find food and experiences here that remind you of home.

This wonderful city has nature on its doorstep and, in the same amount of time it takes to fetch a latte, you could travel to spectacular countryside or beaches, all within a stone's throw from the Central Business District.

If you're thinking about making New Zealand your home while you study for your world recognised qualification, you can find more information about making the transition to our beautiful country
here.

Want to know if Media Design School is right for you? Download our prospectus, book a tour or apply now. Choose one or more of the options below:

Apply now to study at New Zealand’s most awarded digital design school.